Beautiful day again, but very gusty at times. We were heading for West Green area, then back via Stratfield Saye.
route
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| First stop Finchampstead Church |
Then down Fleet Hill Finchampstead, which was traffic free.
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| Crossing in to Hampshire at Eversley |
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| Bluebells at Plough Lane, Hazeley Lea |
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| Looking back at Plough Lane, approaching Hazeley Lea |
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| Hazeley Lea |
As we approached West Green, the oak tree canopy was so vibrant, with the dark branches set off against the lush canopy.
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| Tree canopy approaching the entrance to West Green Gardens |
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| Dandelion time on the verges. |
Something I had paid no attention to before, was this pond directly outside the entrance to West Green Gardens. I was covered in duckweed, and the colour was stunning.
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| A green pond, surrounded by green. |
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| Captain's log for a snack. |
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| Other end of the pond |
We now retraced out steps for a mile or so, passing Dipley Mill, where the Wisteria was looking good.
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| Dipley Mill. On the right, the Gunnera Maculata plant just starting to emerge. |
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| Tulip pots adding some nice colour to the left border. |
We now crossed over the main road at Chandlers Green,
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| Black Swan Cottage, Bottle Lane |
We followed the route passing Daneshill School, across the A33 and around Stratfield Saye, turning left the end, then following to the right emerging next to the Iron Duke. We had spoken to the farmer who owns the field of Fritillary about 3 weeks ago, and she said that when they were ready, she would leave the gate unlocked. We noticed the padlock off, so walked across the first field to take a look. VERY windy, so difficult to photograph. They didn't seem as dense this year, but nice to see them anyway, since they are so unusual to see enmasse.
Now back via Bull Lane, Part Lane, and down Nutbean Lane, where we had a little breather on a bench in the cemetery. We noticed some movement in the field beyond the churchyard, and as we went closer, we saw these...
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hello!
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Just Farley Hill to climb over now, and back via Arborfield and California Park. Another 32 miler.
